Pines 231 
from China resembling the true larches very closely, except that the 
clusters or rosettes of leaves are larger, the leaves longer, turning to a 
clear yellow autumn tint different from other larches. It is hardy 
north of Massachusetts. Its freedom from insect pests and fungus 
diseases seems to be its special advantage. 
PINES 
Pinus. The largest genus of the conifers, with about seventy-five 
species, of which over half are found in North America, and altogether 
over six hundred varieties in form, from mere shrubs through all the 
gradations of size to the tallest trees (over two hundred feet) and in 
every variety of form. There are among them some of the hardiest 
conifers, adaptive to the driest soils and drouthiest climate, as well as 
to swamps and humid climates, with representatives ranging almost to 
the Arctics and to near the equator, in valleys, and in mountains to 
near timber-line. 
Highly important as timber trees, their ornamental value is, with 
few exceptions, less than that of most other conifers. Yet by the intro- 
duction of large masses and proper variety, as background, a strong 
characteristic sky-line can be secured, as with no other group. Some- 
what like the spruces in habit, although less formal, the white pines 
should lend themselves to avenue planting, while yellow pines, being 
more rugged in habit, are more fit for picturesqueness, particularly as 
accent trees and for sky-line effects. 
Owing to less symmetrical form and more rapid changes in habit, 
the awkward period intervening between the conical young form and 
the picturesque old crown (broad, flattened, or rounded) is more pro- 
nounced and more extended than with other conifers. The foliage is 
less dense, though longer and more flexible, persisting only two or three 
years, in fascicles of two to five, which, in the older trees, is crowded in 
tufts to the end of the branches. They are all light-needing, mostly 
rapid growers, with variable root system, but usually deep-rooted, and 
easily handled. 
There are generally three groups to be distinguished, which differ 
in character of development, soil requirements, ornamental value, as 
well as in other respects, namely the white pines, the yellow pines, and 
the nut pines. 
WHITE PINES. ‘This is the most useful and at the same time the 
